"In Our system it works best when you have a good prosecutor and you have a good defense
attorney, and both understand that their job is to seek the truth; not just to win."
Trial drama is broadcast daily on national television in real or fictional courtrooms.
It has become a form of entertainment. We can watch cases being argued in domestic,
civil, juvenile, and criminal courts. Sometimes a judge alone listens to lawyers'
arguments. In other trials, attorneys must convince a jury to get a ruling in their
client's favor. But legal advocacy is serious business and critical to our rights
as citizens in a democracy.
SAMPLE RESEARCH TOPICS
A Famous Criminal Trial: Research a famous criminal trial of the past
An Important Consumer Case: Research a class action suit such as Michael
Moore conducted against the tobacco companies.
A Significant Environmental Case: Research a case in which important environment
issues or rights were at stake.
A Local Trial:Research a trail in your local area that had a significant
effect on your community.
SAMPLE RESEARCH QUESTIONS:
Start with the 5Ws - Who? What? Where? When? Why?
Who are active participants in the trial? Who is on trial?
Why is this person or organization on trial?
When did this trial take place?
What were the allegations, charges, and issues in this trial?
What were the prosecutor's or opposing attorney's arguments?
What were the defense attorney's arguments?
What did attorneys present as evidence to advocate for their clients?
How effective was each attorney's skill as an advocate?
What was the outcome of the trial?
How was justice served?
Why is this trial important?
RESEARCH OUTCOMES
When you have completed your research, present your findings in one of the following
formats: Newspaper Article - Editorial - Trial Web Site - Interview
